Questionnaire Results

Candidate Questionnaire Overview

These are the questions asked on our 2024 Candidate Questionnaire.

1) Renewable Energy

In 2023, Michigan enacted significant legislation aiming for 60% renewable energy by 2035 and 100% clean energy by 2040, along with increasing the cap on distributed generation like rooftop solar from 1 to 10%.

1a) Do you (or did you) support the 2023 Clean Energy & Jobs Act?

1b) If supportive, what steps will you take to ensure full implementation and advancement of this act?

The current energy goals in Michigan include reaching 100% ‘clean’ by 2040, but the definition includes sources like biogas, nuclear energy, and natural gas with carbon capture, which are considered false solutions from an environmental justice approach. These methods are also considered less effective and potentially hazardous, particularly for vulnerable communities.

1c) Would you support amending the existing legislation to redefine clean energy as,  at minimum, 80% renewables from sources like solar, wind, and small-scale hydropower?

1d) How would you address the concerns of these communities regarding the safety and effectiveness of the current energy sources included under the clean energy definition?

1e) Michigan's 2023 legislation sets a 10% cap on distributed generation like solar, even though there's broad bipartisan support for no cap. This limit means once it's reached, new customers can't join. Do you support removing this cap to enable more Michigan residents and businesses to invest in and benefit from renewable energy?

2) Climate Justice & Impacts

The Fifth US National Climate Assessment shows climate change impacting every part of American life, most severely affecting the most at-risk populations.

With the need for a just transition to clean energy, including support for workers affected by fossil fuel plant closures, would you support directing state funds to prioritize these frontline and under-resourced communities?

3) Community Solar

Community solar is a solar project shared by multiple subscribers who receive credit on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced. It is rapidly expanding in states with supportive policies, allowing people who rent or have unsuitable roofs to access solar energy and contributing to a stronger, more resilient grid.

Given the bipartisan support in Michigan, as seen in Senate Bills 152 and 153 and House Bills 4464 and 4465, do you support policies that enable customers to build and own community renewable energy projects?

4) Mobility

The transportation sector is Michigan's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to 29% of all carbon pollution. While the push for electric vehicles continues, many people still lack access to reliable transportation and face issues with car-centric infrastructure.

Do you support policies and funding to advance public transportation and develop more walkable communities?

5) Housing

Michigan residents spend a greater proportion of their income on energy bills than much of the rest of the United States, partly due to old and inefficient housing. While current programs offer limited improvements, whole-home retrofits could provide comprehensive energy and safety upgrades. These programs also support workforce development for contractors.

Do you support policies and funding for whole-home retrofit programs that aim to renovate thousands of homes, making them energy-efficient, pollutant-free, and resilient against extreme weather?

6) Line 5 Crude Oil Pipeline

Michigan faces a significant threat from Line 5, an aging pipeline carrying 23 million gallons of oil daily through the Great Lakes. The proposed crude oil tunnel could extend this for another 99 years, worsening climate change. 

Given the potential for significant climate damage, do you agree that shutting down Line 5 and investing in cleaner energy alternatives is the most sensible action?

7) Reduce Utility Influence in Lansing

The influence of big utility money in Michigan politics is a major barrier to advancing ambitious energy and climate policies. House Bills 5520 and 5521 aim to curb this by prohibiting state-regulated utilities from making political contributions or engaging in campaign activities. 

a) Do you support these campaign finance reforms to ban political contributions from utilities?

b) Will you commit to refusing campaign donations from utilities regulated by the state for the remainder of the 2024 election cycle?

8) Environmental Literacy Task Force

Do you support HB 4961, proposed legislation to create a new Environmental Literacy Task Force that creates a curriculum to prepare students to address environmental challenges, promotes outdoor activities and healthy lifestyles, and enhances teachers’ environmental knowledge? 

The curriculum will cover topics like climate change and renewable energy, align with academic standards, and recommend improvements to current curricula, ensuring diverse viewpoints for critical thinking.

READY?

Take our 2024 Candidate Questionnaire